The LIV Golf League makes its fifth start this week, teeing it up at South Africa’s The Club at Steyn City. But it will be the first time one of its marquee players is competing in 2026.

Phil Mickelson is returning to the course, according to a social media announcement from the team he captains, the HyFlyers.

The 55-year-old has missed the start of the 2026 season due to an undisclosed family matter.

Many, however, were paying close attention as to whether Mickelson would make the trip to South Africa, as this is the final LIV event before next month’s Masters. Presumably, Mickelson would want to play at least once before making an appearance at Augusta National, where he is a three-time past champion.

Wade Ormsby and Ollie Schneiderjans filled in for Mickelson in the HyFlyers lineup during the first four events in Riyadh, Adelaide, Hong Kong and Singapore. The team is currently in 12th place in the standings, only ahead of Majesticks GC. The best finish from new signee Michael LaSasso, last year’s NCAA champion at Ole Miss and a member of the victorious U.S. Walker Cup team, is T-32 as he sits 52nd in the individual standings.

Mickelson hasn’t played an individual event since last August in the LIV Golf finale and finished no better than T-23 in his final six LIV starts of 2025. He also missed the cut in three of the four majors, including the Masters.

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Main Image: Zhizhao Wu